Jenkins set to return to practice field

IRVING – Cornerback Mike Jenkins is expected to practice Saturday for the first time since he had surgery on his right shoulder in February.

Jenkins got the OK to practice from Dr. James Andrews, the surgeon who did the operation. Jenkins was in danger of beginning the season on the physically unable to perform list.

“He hasn’t practiced a whole lot of football in a while,” Garrett said. “Condition is certainly a factor, getting himself acclimated to just playing football is a factor. We’ll evaluate him day by day. It’s good to see that he is cleared. It’s going to be good to have him out on the practice field on Saturday.”

Garrett said he isn’t concerned about Jenkins’ role at the moment, preferring instead to focus on the fifth-year pro’s conditioning level. Jenkins is slated to defend the slot in nickel situations, a new role for him after spending the last four seasons as a starter.

Jenkins’ role diminished with the acquisitions of two new cornerbacks: free agent signee Brandon Carr and first-round pick Morris Claiborne.